At some point, whether it’s around the corner or several months out, we’re all going to eventually board an airplane so we can travel to an exciting fly fishing destination of our dreams. With the airline companies constantly changing the rules from year to year on what gear they allow to be carried on and what gear must be checked, I thought it would be helpful for many of you to read a helpful post by Yellow Dog Fly Fishing, which sheds light on the steps they take on keeping luggage nightmares to a minimum. They call it preemptive planning and offer a list of must have gear and tricks for getting that carry-on luggage aboard and safely to your final destination. Thank you Yellow Dog Fly Fishing for taking the time to write and share this valuable information. I get asked the question, “What gear is safe for me to carry-on, a couple dozen times a year.”

Yellow Dog Carry-On Packing Tips, Tricks & SUGGESTIONS

If I’m not spending time with my family, and I’m not on the water fly fishing, there’s nothing I enjoy more than learning how to tie up a cool new fly pattern for my fly box. Visiting The Limp Cobra the other day, I was intrigued to see a photo and tying video of a very innovative looking mayfly nymph emerger by Markus Hoofman, named Hoffman’s E – merge – R. When the trout are shunning your high floating dry fly imitations, the trick that will usually end the cold streak is tying on and fishing an emerger pattern. Trust me, when I say you don’t want to leave home without this E -merge – R pattern in your fly box. I can’t wait to try it out when I get back from the Bahamas.

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That’s a cool little emerger pattern. Might give this one a try.
Packing your carry on with the essentials is imperative when flying. I’ve never lost luggage, but I can’t imagine doing so on an important fishing trip….which is every fishing trip! I’m always paranoid that my checked bag won’t show up so I make sure to carry my rods, reels, flies, waders/boots if I need them, and sunglasses. If I’m carrying a bunch of rods with me I’ll put 2 rods in each rod tube to help avoid the bulk of a larger tube, or too many single tubes. I’ve never had an issue with my rod tubes on a plane. Typically there’s plenty of room in the back of the overhead to accommodate rod tubes without interfering with carry on bags. I’ve also yet to run into a problem with my flies. In fact, most times I just get friendly questions about where I’m going fishing, what I’m fishing for, and how long I’ve been fly fishing. My suggestion for a badass carry on pack is the new Umpqua Deadline 3500. It’s amazing! I can’t believe the amount of gear I can stuff into that bag. It literally allows me to carry everything I need to fish anywhere in the world, and if my checked bag doesn’t show up its really not a big deal. It’s the best investment I’ve made in a piece of travel gear. Period. Check it out. I’ve yet to have a bad flying experience with my gear, though I’m sure there are some nightmare stories out there. I’ll just keep crossing my fingers every time I hit the secuirty line.